Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become essential parts of Kansas City. However, as ridesharing grows, so do the risks associated with potential accidents involving these vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a ridesharing accident, understanding who’s liable can be complex. At Castle Law Office in Kansas City, we handle personal injury cases and can guide you through the often-confusing landscape of rideshare accident liability.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Liability
One of the unique challenges of rideshare accidents is determining who is liable for your injuries. Unlike traditional car accidents, where insurance liability is typically between the two drivers, rideshare accidents involve multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, the ridesharing company (like Uber or Lyft), and possibly other drivers. Each of these parties has different levels of insurance coverage, which may or may not apply depending on the situation.
1. The Rideshare Driver’s Insurance Policy:
All Uber and Lyft drivers are required to carry their own auto insurance, but personal policies may not always cover accidents that occur while the driver is working. In many cases, rideshare drivers need a commercial policy to cover accidents while driving for hire, but not all drivers have this coverage.
2. Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Coverage:
Both Uber and Lyft provide additional insurance policies that cover drivers and passengers, but this coverage is only active during certain phases of the driver’s app usage:
- App Off (Not Available): When the rideshare app is turned off, the driver’s personal insurance is solely responsible for any accidents. Neither Uber nor Lyft offers coverage at this time.
- Available Mode (App On, No Ride Accepted): If the app is on, but the driver has not yet accepted a ride request, Uber and Lyft typically provide limited liability coverage (often up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury).
- En Route to Pickup or During Ride: Once a driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide coverage up to $1 million for injuries and property damage. This coverage includes both the driver and any passengers.
Who Can You File a Claim Against?
In most rideshare collisions, you may file a claim against multiple parties. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may have a claim against that driver’s insurance policy. If the rideshare driver was at fault, you could potentially file against the rideshare company’s insurance policy, depending on the driver’s app status at the time.
In some cases, Uber or Lyft may contest liability and try to shift the blame onto other drivers or claim that the driver was not technically “on the clock.” This is why it’s essential to work with a law firm experienced in rideshare crashes to advocate on your behalf and fight to ensure you’re fully compensated.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Kansas City
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident as a passenger or in another vehicle, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be the top priority. Even if you don’t feel injured initially, getting checked by a medical professional can prevent complications later.
- Document the Crash Scene: Take pictures of the crash scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information for witnesses, and note the rideshare driver’s name, license plate, and insurance information.
- Report the collision to Uber or Lyft: Both companies require their drivers to report accidents, but it’s also a good idea for passengers to file a report through the app. This ensures there’s a record of the collision.
- Contact Castle Law Office: Rideshare accident cases can be complex, especially with multiple layers of liability. At Castle Law Office, we have experience handling personal injury claims involving rideshare companies and can guide you through the process.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of rideshare accidents in Kansas City may be eligible to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages if you cannot work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
- Property damage for personal items lost or damaged in the accident
- Long-term care costs if your injuries require ongoing treatment
Why Choose Castle Law Office for Your Rideshare Accident Claim?
Castle Law Office in Kansas City is committed to helping injured victims navigate the complexities of rideshare accident claims. With extensive experience in personal injury law, we understand the intricacies of insurance policies, liability issues, and compensation recovery. Our team will investigate the details of your accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Get Legal Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Kansas City, don’t navigate the claims process alone. Contact Castle Law Office to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and work towards a fair resolution of your claim.
